After 11 years as an Infantryman...I'm now a cable guy with an opinion.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Bachmann Challenger Bob Olson on the offensive "jobs" comment

Olson: Bachmann's job comments 'offensive'

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Christopher Truscott

ANOKA—Bob Olson, a DFL candidate in the 6th Congressional District, released the following statement in response to Rep. Michele Bachmann's comments that Minnesota is the "workingest state" because we have "more people that are working longer hours … that are working two jobs."

"Mrs. Bachmann may celebrate the fact that more Minnesotans have to work extra hours and take on a second job to make ends meet, but I see it as a cause for alarm.

"Folks don't take extra hours or extra jobs for fun, congresswoman. They're trying to survive. If you got out and talked to real folks, not handpicked audiences, you'd realize that health care costs are soaring; that college tuition is beyond the reach of many deserving students; and that gas prices are putting a pinch on many families—resulting in higher prices at the grocery store.

"If you read the St. Cloud Times on Wednesday morning you'd know that Electrolux laid off 190 workers, Stearns Inc. released 20 people and that a small business went under in Sartell. If you read the Star Tribune yesterday you'd know that Minnesota lost 2,300 jobs last month and 23,000 in the last half of 2007.

"I understand that you're putting lipstick on our pig of an economy because the president you blindly support is running America into the ground, but touting the hardships that too many families from St. Cloud to Woodbury are enduring is absolutely offensive.

"Minnesota would be better served if you became the 'workingest' congresswoman in Washington and started seriously addressing the challenges our country faces. The people of our district didn't send you to Washington to cozy up to the oil companies that are polluting our environment; the corporate titans that outsource our jobs; or the health insurance companies that jack up our premiums. They sent you there to work."